The acne and rosacea-improving ingredient hiding in your anti-aging serum

They might be famous for their dietary benefits, but it's been no secret to us that probiotics are the little-known ingredient your anti-aging skin care is probably missing. The topical application of probiotics (pioneered back in 2006 by Bioelements) is now getting the seal of approval from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). They've just named probiotics a "Beauty Breakthrough" and announced that early research links the use of probiotics to improved skin conditions for those with acne prone skin or rosacea. The AAD explains, "skin prone to acne or rosacea has shown improvement with daily probiotic use, giving dermatologists reason to consider supplementing traditional acne therapy with a dose of this beneficial bacteria."

Your skin naturally has a probiotic population that functions to keep it strong. A healthy environment of probiotic bacteria helps skin fend off damage caused by allergens, free radicals, and environmental changes – one of the reasons Bioelements pioneered the use of probiotics in our Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum. As we age, our skin's probiotic population can diminish, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation-inducing, skin-aging aggressors. Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum provides a daily dose of skin-friendly bacteria that will help replenish the skin's natural microflora, leaving it prepared to fight lines and wrinkles. But minimizing inflammation isn't just essential for anti-aging, it's also an important part of disrupting the development of acne and rosacea.

Beyond strengthening the existing culture that naturally lives on your skin, the AAD explains that topical probiotics have a few other properties that help them curb inflammation, including:

They're bug-busters.Probiotics have antimicrobial properties – they can kill the bad bacteria that triggers inflammation.

They fool your skin.When your skin detects foreign bacteria on the skin, it can have an immune response that triggers inflammation, and even bumps or redness. According to the AAD, "probiotics applied topically sit on the skin's surface and prevent the skin cells from seeing the bad bacteria and parasites that can cause this immune system response."

They're super soothers.In addition to tricking your skin into missing bad bacteria that may be present, probiotics can "calm" cells to prevent them from producing the immune response that causes inflammation.

Think you can slather a yogurt mask on your face to get the job done? Before you rush to the nearest dairy aisle to create a DIY skin care fix, the AAD points out, "there is currently no research or studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this home remedy." Instead, reach for professional skin care with active probiotics proven to be stable, safe, and effective.

"My skin changes were really causing concern until I added Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum. My skin is more resistant to changes and visibility improved overall.. I would not go without it." – Ruth, Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum fan

Have questions about how probiotics fit into your daily skin care routine? Ask in the comments below!